It's that combination and his willingness to pursue his passions as well as try different sports he wants to improve in that has made Gissendanner the AGR Male Athlete of the Year.

“I’ve played football all my life and I love it, and I did lacrosse because we were a couple men down and I did it for the team,” Gissendanner said. “Unified basketball, same thing. If I have some time to help kids with special needs, I’ll do it. I love helping out.”

Gissendanner has said if he could be in the NFL tomorrow, he would be, and said he still wants to play in college. But that will be left up to his college wrestling coach since that’s what’s going to earn him a scholarship.

This past July, Gissendanner became the second Section V wrestler to win his weight-class at the USA Wrestling ASICS National Championships. This past season, the 152-pounder won his fifth straight Monroe County title and fifth straight sectional title to go along with the three straight state crowns.

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Frankie Gissendanner is one of the top high school wrestlers in the country, but he loves to compete in football. (Oct. 13, 2016) Video by
James Johnson

Penfield football coach Jay Johnson said how great of a teammate Gissendanner is despite the accolades in wrestling.

"You know, the thing about him is, he's a competitor," Johnson said. "I just want people who want to compete. He wants to help; I'll take 30 of those kids. He doesn't have anything to prove, but he works hard every practice. I'll take 100 of those kids. That's what's starting to be the norm.”

Away from Section V athletics, Gissendanner is a partner in Unified Basketball (a team for students with and without disabilities) and a staff member in Buddy Olympics. But he’s still the most comfortable with his headgear on.

"I've controlled how competitive I am, but on the mat, I always go back to just relaxing and keeping my eyes open because anything can happen," said Gissendanner.

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The All-Greater Rochester Wrestler of the Year is a three-time state champion also became just the second Section V wrestler to win a national cadet freestyle championship.
Wochit

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Eastridge's Zyrese Lloyd touchdown return vs Irondequoit earned the Play of the Year award and $500 for the Eastridge athletic department.
Submitted

Jack Eichel, front, of the Buffalo Sabres and Kyle Williams of the Buffalo Bills relax in a back office before meeting fans. They were guest speakers for the AGR Sports Awards Banquet.
JAMIE GERMANO/@jgermano1/staff photographer

Penfield's Frankie Gissendanner Jr. received the Male Athlete of the Year award during the Inaugural AGR Sports Awards banquet to honor Section V's best for 2016-17 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.
CARLOS ORTIZ, @cfortiz_dandc/staff photographer

James Johnson talks with Penfield junior Frankie Gissendanner and wrestling coach John Leone about the Takedown Cancer Duals and about the two-time state champion's career. (Jan. 20, 2017) Video by
James Johnson